Plug-in packages



Dec. 16, 1958 P, wrr'r E AL 2,864,977

I PLUG-1N PACKAGES Filed Oct. 14, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORQ AGENTDec. 16, 1958 R. P. WlTT ET AL 2,864,977

PLUG-IN PACKAGES Filed Oct; 14, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Ric/wardP Wz'zz Dana 74. Griffin BY Wzm Dec. 16, 1958 P. w T ET AL r 2,864,977

PLUGIN PACKAGES Filed Oct. 14, 1953 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 34- Ll'hulnuunr)Fir r ]'r 'n o f ,54 42 fwm 1Q u, W41

F1 .413 F2 .4-1) INVENTOR I j Rz'c/zard PWizz Dana 74. Griffin BY M fluAGENT 2,864,977 Patented Dec. 16, 1958 United States Patent Ofif ce2,864,977 PLUG-1N PACKAGES Richard P. Witt, Rockvilie, Md., and Dana A.Griffin, North Plainfield, N. J.

Application October 14, 1953, Serial No. 387,818

2 Claims. (Cl. 317-101) T he invention described herein may bemanufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States forgovernmental purposes without the payment to us of any royalty thereonin accordance with the provisions of 35 United States Code (1952)section 266.

The present invention relates to plug-in packages for use in electroniccomputing machines and in particular to the physical structure of thesepackages.

The large number of circuit components in the modern electronic computermakes it essential that methods be devised to provide for rapidservicing of the machines. in an effort to provide for this rapidservicing the designers of computers are relying more and more on theservice technique of package replacement. In this approach to theproblem when an individual unit is found to be malfunctioning, it isreplaced by a new unit and the old unit is sent elsewhere for repair.The packages to be used in such machines must provide protection for thevarious elements in the package against physical damage;

and this necessitates that the elements of the package be enclosedwithin the package at least to some extent. On the other hand theservicemen must be able to open up the package easily in order to allowrapid repair or replacement of the defective element or elements.

Another problem which faces the designers of plug-in packages is that ofproviding all the necessary circuitry in the minimum number of packages.To accomplish this methods must be devised by which a small number ofdifferent types of packages may be easily: adapted to perform a greatvariety of functions. Otherwise large numbers of different types ofpackages would have to be carried in stock, and this would make the costof the system practically prohibitive.

it is an object of the present invention to provide plugin packages forelectrical circuits in which all of the com ponents of the packages aremounted on panels, all wiring between panels being accomplished througha prewired female receptacle into which the package is plugged.

Another object of the present invention is to provide plug-in packagesfor electrical circuits in which a split male connector is used so thatthe package may be easily opend.

it is another object of the present invention to provide plug-inpackages for electronic computers in which the wiring between componentson each panel of the package is accomplished by means of etched orprinted circuit techniques.

it is another object of the present invention to-provide plug-inpackages, much of the wiring of which is completed when the package isplugged into a prewired female receptacle, thereby allowing the packageto be adapted to its particular function when it is inserted in thecircuit.

it is another object of the present invention to provide plug-inpackages for electrical circuits which are so constructed that most ofsoldering may be accomplished at one time.

it is another object of the present invention to provide plug-inpackages for electrical circuits which arose construed that most of theleads may be formed in the same operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electricalassembly in which all of the electrical elements are carried in packagedunits which are plugged into prewired female receptacles mounted on theassembly rack.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a metalU-shaped frame to which are bolted two panels of insulating material,each panel'being mounted on an opposite side of the frame. The outersurfaces of the panels have provided thereon etched circuits forinterconnecting the various elements of the package which are mounted onthe inside of that particular panel. Each panel carries on one endthereof one-half of a split male plug to which various etched circuitleads may be connected in a predetermined arrangement. Therefore, whenit is necessary to open the package, either panel may be removedseparately, since all connections between the two panels are madethrough a prewired female receptacle into which the male plug isinserted. In this particular arrangement all of the circuit elements arearranged along the inside of the panels so that they are protectedagainst damage which might otherwise result from striking of thecomponents. The leads which are etched along the outer surface of thepanel may be considered for all practical purposes to be in the sameplane as the outer surface of the panel, and therefore are particularlyunsusceptible to damage.

Other uses and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreference to the specification and drawings.

Figure I, which is composed of Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and II) shows variousviews of one type of plug-in package made in accordance with thepresentinvention.

Figure 2 is a detailed view of the frame of the package of the presentinvention.

Figure 3 is a detailed view of one half of the split male connectorwhich is used in the present invention.

Figure 4, which is composed of Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, shows aslightly different type of physical arrangement for plug-in packages.

Referring to Figure 1, the package consists of a U-shaped metal frame 1,which merely provides a structure on which to mount the panels 2 and 3.These panels carry all of the electrical components and all of thewiring, none of the components or wiring being attached to the U-shapedframe.

The frame 1, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 2, consistsessentially of a U-shaped member, the depth of the frame being governedby the size of the components to be mounted therein. Small protrusions4, 6, and 7 are provided at various positions on the frame, theseprotrusions serving as mechanical supports for the panels and alsoproviding means for securing the panels to the frame. The turned-underportions or projections 9 at the bottom of the frame are provided togive additional support to the panels, the projections 9 actuallyengaging the split male connector which is secured at the bottom of eachpanel. Holes are drilled in the sides of the frame 1, as shown in Figure2 to permit forced-air ventilation of the package. The hole 32 receivesair from a cool air duct which is carried on the main chassis of themachine, the return path being through hole 33.

Figures 1A and 1B show the outer and inner sides respectively of panel2, while Figures 1C and 1D show the outer and inner sides respectivelyof panel 3. The panel 2 has mounted on its lower portion one-half 11 ofthe split male connector. The panel 3 has mounted at its lower end theother half 12 of the split male connector.

The split male connector is shown in greater detail in Figure 3. Thepins 13 which are designed to be plugged into the female receptacle areanchored in an insulating block 14. Each pin is turned at an angleinside of the block so as to proceed out of the front thereof. Eachprotrusion is inserted through a hole in the panel and is soldered tothe printed lead on the panel which connects with that particular hole.

A shoulder 16 is provided on a block to support the bottom edge of thepanel. Both ends of the block are cut back to provide shoulders 17 whichseat on the projections 9 of frame 1.

The panels with their associated connectors are bolted to the frame 1 bymeans of screws which fasten to protrusions 4, 6 and 7 and by aligningpins 15 which extend through the projections 9 and screw into theshoulder 17 of the block. There are four such pins for each package; thepins being of various diameters so that the package cannot be insertedin the wrong way.

The panels 2 and 3 are made up of thin sheets of Bakelite or othersuitable insulating material and all wiring is accomplished by etched orprinted leads which are formed on these panels. The etched leads arecarried on the outside of the panel while the components are mounted onthe inner surfaces. The particular package shown in the various drawingsof Figure 1 is known as a tube package. It provides for various gatingand amplifymg functions for the computer. Depending upon the degree offlexibility required by the design features of the computer, various ofthese elements will be interconnected by the etched leads, while otherswill be interconnected externally. The components which areinterconnected externally will be soldered to leads which con nect withthe various pins of the male connector. If a particular component on onepanel must be connected to a component on another panel, the terminalsof these components will be connected from etched leads to pins of themale connector and the connection between the two elements Will beaccomplished in a prewired female receptacle into which the male plugfits. One or more tubes may be mounted in this package in the mannershown in Figure 1B. The frame 18 is secured to the panel 2, the framecarrying a tube base 25. The pins of the tube base are connected bymeans of wires 19 to various etched leads on the outside of the panel.The tube 20 is held in place by means of a spring clip 21, which keepsthe tube from working lose. Provisions may be made to bolt the frame 18to the frame 1 when the package is assembled. This is shown at 22 inFigure 1B. Jack 23 is inserted through a hole on the frame 1 and isconnected by a wire 24 to one of the printed leads on the outside of thepanel. Jack 23 and lead 24 provide a convenient means for testing thewave forms at any particular point in the package circuit. In thearrangement shown, the wire 24 is connected to the output of the tube18. In the embodiment shown a transformer 26 is connected in the outputcircuit of the tube 24), this transformer being mounted on the panel 2,its wires 27 being connected to appropriate circuit leads. The variousother elements shown on the panels 2 and 3 are diode rectifiers 28 andresistors 29. All of the elements in the package are mounted on theinside of the panel and are connected to the leads on the outsidethrough holes in the panel, the element lead wire being soldered to theetched circuits. The heavy lead 31 shown on panel 2 in Figure 1A carriesa high current and therefore is made rather heavy.

Another type of package made up in accordance with the present inventionis shown in Figure 4. This package, which is known as a delay-linepackage is very similar in construction to the tube package. Again thesplit base and printed leads are used and all connections are made inthe same manner. The panel 34, shown in Fig ures 4A and 4B carries anumber of electrical delay lines 36 on its inner surface. The terminalsof the delay lines are connected through holes in the panel 34 to theprinted leads 37 carried on the outside of the panel. The panel 34- hasprinted on it in addition to the normal circuit leads a Faraday grid,which is composed of a series of grounded parallel printed leads 33.This grid reduces crosstalk between the leads to the. various delaylines. Figures 4C and 4D show the panel 39 which carries the input andoutput termination circuits which are necessary for use with this typeof electrical delay line. The circuits are provided by the diodes 41 andresistors 42., Which are mounted on the inside of the panel 39. Theconnections between the input and termination circuits on the one handand the delay lines on the other hand are made through split maleconnector and female receptacle. The methods for mounting the panels onthe frame 1 are the same as described with reference to Figure l.

The above construction provides for a mechanically sound package unitWhich protects the various components and which at the same time can bereadily disassembled for servicing. This latter feature is provided bythe use of the split male connector and the avoidance of any internalconnections between the two panels, all connections between these panelsbeing made through the base.

As a result of the use of etched circuits, the package may be readilyfabricated, sice most wiring is accomplished at one time during theetching process, which in itself is comparatively rapid. Also, since thelayout of the leads may be prearranged, and since the leads cannot moveonce formed, the package can be designed for a minimum of cr ss talkbetween the various circuits. Although etched circuits have beenreferred to specifically, printed circuits and other similar techniquesmay be used. Also in the fabrication of such a package, all of thecomponents may be assembled on the panel and all soldering may beaccomplished at one time by dip soldering.

Of extreme importance in the electronic computer art is the fact thatmuch of the interconnection between the components is accomplished whenthe package is plugged into a socket which has been previously wired,thereby providing a great deal of flexibility in the application of aparticular package. A number of female receptacles are mounted on arack, the wiring between packages and between the panels of a singlepackage being accomplished by appropriate wiring between the terminalsof the female receptacle. The actual electrical arrangement of the basiccomponents of a computer within the package is set forth in detail andclaimed in copending application Serial No. 375,846, for Plug-inPackages for Electronic Circuits, filed on August 21, 1953, by RichardP. Witt, one of the present coinventors.

It will be apparent that the embodiments shown are only exemplary andthat various modifications can be made in construction and arrangementWithin the scope of our invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A package unit for use in electrical circuits which comprises aU-shaped frame defining a relatively thin housing having a top and endWalls, open sides, and an open bottom and having an inwardly turnedflange on each end Wall projecting into said open bottom, two panels ofinsulating material, means for selectively securing one end of each ofsaid panels to said bottom flanges, means for selectively securing theother end of each of said panels to the end walls of said frame, saidpanels lying in parallel planes along the respective edges of saidframe, a number of electrical components mounted on a first side of eachof said panels, a predetermined configuration 'of conductive leads lyingalong the surface of the observe side of each of said panels, a plughaving two similar sections, one of said sections being similarlymounted on said first side of each of said panels and projecting beyondsaid one end thereof, each of said plug sections having a first shoulderportion in one face thereof to which a panel is secured in a manner suchthat said obverse side of each panel and associated plug lie within theplane of the sides of said frame and second shoulder portions in thebottom face of the plug adapted to seat on said inwardly turned flanges;said panels mounted so that said first one side of each panel togetherwith the associated plug section face the other, said plug sectionsbeing aligned adjacent each other to form a single plug for said entireunit when the panels are mounted in said frame, said conductive leads oneach respective panel being connected with contact members of the plugsection mounted on that panel and means connecting said electricalcomponents mounted on each respective panel with various portions of theconductive leads on that panel.

2. The invention according to claim 1 in which at least one platform isattached to one of said panels and a tube base mounted on said platform,said tube base having its pins connected to predetermined etched leads.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,226,745 Schrack Dec. 31, 1940 2,440,308 Starck Apr. 27, 1948 2,628,270Himrnel Feb. 10, 1953 2,587,568 Eisler Feb. 26, 1953 2,754,453 NoellJuly 10, 1956 2,764,713 Alden Sept. 25, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 635,305Great Britain Apr. 5, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION Patent No, 2 {8'64 ,977 December 16, 1958 Richard-P. .Witt etal.

It is herebfl certified that error appears in the-printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the saidLetters Patent should read as corrected below.

CO1UIIHY4, line '74, for "observe" read obverse Signed and sealed this10th day of March 1959.

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL H, AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF. CORRECTION PatentNo, 23864;??? December 16, 1958 RichardP. vWitt et :11.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the-printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the saidLetters Patent should read as corrected below.

00112111111; line '74, for "observe""'read' obverse Signed and sealedthis 10th day of March 1959.

( SEAL) Attest:

KARL AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting Oflicer Commissioner of Patents

